Digitalization and Automation
摘要
This chapter focuses on the potential of information technologies to enhance the efficiencies of iron ore sintering operations. Starting with this context, the chapter elaborates on the impact of these technologies on sintering plants’ design and operational features. The authors emphasize the use of sensors, IoT devices, and data analytics to monitor the process energy consumption in real time and optimize it by employing a tighter control of sintering parameters. It further discusses the use of digital twins and predictive maintenance strategies that add value to equipment by providing insights on the condition of an asset and reducing its downtimes by providing timely insights on possible replacements, thereby increasing overall operational productivity. Finally, the chapter contains case studies of successful and completed digitalization and automation projects within the sintering plants along with examples of results and advantages achieved by their implementation. This chapter provides an examination of the role that the application of high technologies has in the transformation of the iron ore sintering process.